Exeter Homes Trust unveils plans for £9m Exeter redevelopment

Exeter Homes Trust has unveiled plans for the redevelopment of the Fairpark Almshouses, in St Leonards, as part of their mission to combat the city’s homeless crisis.

The three 90-year-old apartment buildings, situated in Fairpark Road, currently contain 12 one-bedroom apartments. The redevelopment will transform the site into 31 modern dwellings, comprising a mix of one and two bedroom units arranged over four floors.

The Trust yesterday welcomed Fairpark residents and neighbours to find out more about the proposed redevelopment at three consultation events.

The new Almshouses will enjoy modern energy efficiency measures, wet-rooms and balcony features. There will be two lifts and new vehicle access via Temple Road.

The build programme for the 2,500 square metre development is expected to be 24 months, from demolition to completion. During the redevelopment, residents will be offered alternative accommodation within Exeter Homes Trust’s city’s stock of homes.

The proposed scheme will be funded in part by a grant awarded by Homes England.

Alan Williamson, Chairman of the Charity’s Directors board, explains the importance of the consultation: “The purpose of the consultation day was to give Fairpark Road residents and neighbours an opportunity to view the plans, ask questions and share their views, ahead of submission of the statutory planning application.”

Architect Steve Reed, of Kendall Kingscott Ltd, Landscape Architect Claire Foxford and Project Manager Kathy Green were all on hand to provide information and respond to any queries and concerns.

Steve Reed presented the proposals and highlighted the many benefits of the redevelopment, including improved vehicular and pedestrian access, enhanced integrated landscaping and, most importantly, an increased number of dwellings.

Alan Williamson explains the reasons behind the Fairpark scheme: “In their current state, the Fairpark apartments do not meet contemporary living standards, for example the WC and shower are accessed directly off the kitchen. What’s more, the first floor dwellings are only accessible by stairs. By redeveloping the site, we will not only be providing residents with more modern, energy efficient and ergonomic accommodation, we will also be responding to the prevailing homeless crisis in the city.

“We are inundated with requests for accommodation from people in challenging circumstances facing homelessness. By introducing an additional 18 units at Fairpark, we can provide people with a comfortable and modern home who otherwise would be facing a very uncertain and daunting future.”

The proposed project at Fairpark follows the successful redevelopment of other Exeter Homes Trust sites across the city.  The historic Magdalen Cottages recently underwent a programme of remodelling, to update them to a more contemporary standard. Five years ago the charity’s Culverland Road site was redeveloped to provide 24 new apartments.  All developments have benefited from HCA (now Homes England) grant-funding.

Exeter Homes Trust, formerly known as The Exeter Municipal Charity, was founded over 900 years ago. Providing housing for people, who are unable to remain in their own homes by reason of failing health or reduced circumstances, the Charity owns and manages 149 properties in the city. Exeter Homes Trust is governed by a board of 12 directors.